Toothbrush system utilizing oral care capsule

ABSTRACT

A toothbrush includes a brush head having a capsule receiving zone sized to receive a dentrifice capsule. A plurality angled bristles may retain the capsule in such zone. Loading of such toothbrush with a capsule may be performed with a dispenser including a toothbrush manipulation element adapted to move a retention structure associated with the brush head, and dispensation element adapted to deliver the capsule into the receiving zone. Such dispenser may include a desiccant material disposed to receive moisture from a capsule storage container. A dispenser may further include a plurality of toothbrush insertion apertures each adapted to receive a portion of a different toothbrush, so as to enable multiple users each having different toothbrushes to use the same dispenser without requiring contact between multiple brushes and single capsule interface surface of the dispenser.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/101,446 filed on Apr. 11, 2008 and issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 8,881,332on Nov. 11, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/840,627 filed on Aug. 17, 2007, now abandoned.Benefit of the filing dates of such prior applications is claimed under35 U.S.C. §120, and the disclosures of such prior applications arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to oral care, and more specifically, totoothbrushes and dispensing systems utilizing oral care capsules.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Good oral hygiene requires regular and proper attention to toothbrushing and flossing. According to the American Academy ofPeriodontology, chronic gingivitis (causing gum tissue to swell, turnred, and bleed easily) is common in children, but can be prevented andtreated with a regular routine of brushing, flossing, and professionaldental care. Absent treatment, chronic gingivitis can lead to moreserious forms of periodontal disease.

Proper oral care habits can be difficult to instill in young children.Common challenges for caregivers of children include motivating childrento initiate oral hygiene tasks, and to execute such tasks properlywithout assistance.

Even if motivation barriers are overcome, children often have difficultyin using conventional oral hygiene products and performing conventionaloral hygiene methods. For example, many young children have difficultyin manipulating a toothbrush and toothpaste tube in separate hands anddispensing a proper amount from such a tube to the toothbrush. Avoidinggeneration of messes due to transfer of toothpaste to skin, clothing,and other surfaces during or after such dispensation may also bedifficult for young children at a stage of physiological developmentwhere muscle control and general coordination are limited. Thereafter,children desiring to engage in other activities may be inclined to rushthe task of brushing teeth without devoting the recommended time of twominutes or more to the task.

Conventional toothpaste dispensing systems further provide opportunitiesfor not only growth of pathogens such as bacteria and virus, but alsotransfer of such pathogens from one toothbrush (or user) to another.

Oral care capsules, which avoid some of the mess associated withconventional toothpaste, are known. Examples of various oral carecapsules are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2005/0260141 to Alexander (hereinafter “Alexander”), U.S. Pat. No.7,074,390 to MacKinnon (hereinafter “MacKinnon”), and U.S. Pat. No.4,427,116 to Brown (hereinafter “Brown”), each of which is herebyincorporated by reference. Alexander discloses formation of variouslyshaped discrete toothpaste beads each having a dry exterior formed bylocally applied processes such as heating, drying, extrusion, dusting,molding, varnishing, and coating. One or more beads are selected foruse, removed from the container or dispenser, and broken open either byfinger pressure, by pressing the bead against a brush or the user'steeth, or it may be bitten; after the internally stored as toothpaste isreleased into the mouth, a conventional toothbrush is used in the normalmanner. (Alexander, ¶0081.) MacKinnon discloses formation of adentrifice or toothpaste capsule, (optionally including miswak fibers)having a shell of choline, albumin, or gelatin. In use, a capsuleaccording to MacKinnon is put into the user's mouth, the coating isbroken with the teeth, and the toothpaste released thereby isdistributed throughout the mouth using the tongue or a toothbrush.(MacKinnon, col. 2.) Brown discloses a capsule including a predeterminedamount of toothpaste that is encapsulated with a covering (e.g.,gelatin) that is preferably water-soluble and breakable when bitten orchewed. (Brown, col. 2). Thus, each of the preceding references requiremanual manipulation of an oral care capsule by the user.

Furthermore, each of the preceding references rely upon insertion of acapsule into the user's mouth, and such capsules may not be desirable orappropriate for use by small children. A very young user may liken adentrifice capsule to candy, and be inclined to swallow it rather thanuse it in combination with a brush. If a capsule is very small in size,then multiple capsules may be required to deliver an appropriate amountof toothpaste to the user, and opportunities may abound for inconsistentapplication or waste. Alternatively, if a large capsule is too large insize, then it may pose a choking hazard for a young user.

Moreover, ensuring that the shell or coating of an oral care capsule iseasily dissolved in the mouth of a user may limit the ability topractically store multiple capsules in a typical high-moisture bathroomenvironment. That is, if capsules are stored in a tightly sealedcontainer to prevent moisture infiltration that may degrade adissolvable coating, such container may be unsuitable for use by a smallchild. Alternatively, if capsules are stored in a less well-sealedcontainer suitable for manipulation by a small child, moistureinfiltration may degrade water-dissolvable capsule coating materialsthat may lead to spoilage of stored capsules.

Different users having dedicated toothbrushes may store and use suchtoothbrushes in a single bathroom. Contact between toothbrushes fordifferent users should be minimized to prevent spread of pathogens fromone user to another. If an oral care capsule is subject to use with atoothbrush, it would be desirable to avoid contact between toothbrushesfor different users and an interface for an oral care capsule.

Thus, it would be desirable to provide toothbrushes and dentrificedispensing systems that motivate children to initiate and perform oralcare tasks properly, while minimizing dangers to such users, minimizingmess creation, reducing opportunities for pathogen growth, promotingconsistent dentrifice dispensing, and promoting reliable dentrificestorage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to toothbrushes and oral care (dentrifice)capsules, and methods of dispensing and using same, that are suitablefor use by small children, and that overcome various limitationsassociated with such capsules.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a toothbrush comprising a brushhead having a capsule receiving zone sized to receive an oral carecapsule, and having a plurality of angled bristles adapted to retain anoral care capsule in the capsule receiving zone.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a dispensing device adaptedfor use with a toothbrush including a brush head (i) having a capsulereceiving zone sized to receive an oral care capsule, and (ii) having aplurality of angled bristles adapted to retain an oral care capsule inthe capsule receiving zone, the dispensing device comprising: atoothbrush manipulation element adapted to move a retention structureassociated with the brush head to enable receipt of said oral carecapsule; and a dispensation element adapted to deliver said oral carecapsule into the capsule receiving zone.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to an oral care capsuledispensing device, comprising: a container having an interior adapted tocontain a plurality of oral care capsules; a desiccant material disposedto receive moisture from the interior; and a selectively closabledispensing orifice adapted to permit dispensation of at least one oralcare capsule from the container.

In a further aspect, any of the foregoing aspects may be combined foradditional advantage.

Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the invention will be morefully apparent from the ensuing disclosure and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective upper view of a toothbrush according to oneembodiment of the present invention, the toothbrush having angledbristles adapted to receive and retain an oral care capsule for use incleansing teeth and gums of a user.

FIG. 2 is a perspective upper view of an internal portion of thetoothbrush of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the exterior of a dispenser fororal care capsules according to one embodiment of the present invention,the dispenser being adapted for use with the toothbrush of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the toothbrush of FIGS. 1-2 positionedfor insertion into a side aperture of the dispenser of FIG. 3 to permitthe toothbrush to receive an oral care capsule.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a first internal loading portion ofthe dispenser of FIGS. 3-4 having an integral bristle spreader, and aportion of the toothbrush of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 positioned for insertioninto a side aperture of the dispenser portion.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the dispenser portion and thetoothbrush portion of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the bristle spreader of the dispenserportion of FIGS. 5-6.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective assembly view of a second dispensingportion of the dispenser of FIG. 3 and the first loading portion of FIG.5, with the second dispensing portion including a rotatable distributionplate having multiple apertures adapted to receive oral care capsules,and a dispensation plate adapted to permit passage of a single capsulefrom the distribution plate to the first loading portion.

FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of the assembled first and seconddispenser portions of FIG. 8, coupled to a vertically protruding shaftaffixed to a container cover having a hinged decorative lid.

FIG. 10 is a side perspective assembly view of a third portion of thedispenser of FIG. 3, including a cylindrical container adapted to storemultiple oral care capsules, and a desiccant element insertable into thecontainer.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base portion of an oral care capsuledispenser including multiple toothbrush insertion apertures and guidetubes, each adapted to receive a toothbrush of a different user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

The present invention relates to a toothbrush adapted to receive andretain an oral care capsule, and to a dispensing device adapted tosupply at least one oral care capsule to such a toothbrush.

As indicated previously, various types of oral care or dentrificecapsules, and methods of making same, are known. At least an exteriorportion of each capsule includes a solid material, such as gelatin, thatis dissolvable in water and/or saliva (e.g., in the mouth of a user).Use of such dentrifice capsules provides multiple advantages overconventional flowable toothpastes subject to dispensation bydisplacement from a flexible tube. A measured and reproducible quantityof dentrifice is included in each capsule. Potential for transfer ofpaste material to undesired surface following dispensation but prior touse is substantially eliminated. A capsule or portion thereof mayinclude a dissolution time profile that may be used as a guide fordesirable brushing duration.

A preferred capsule is spherical or spheroidal (approximately spherical)in shape, to provide volumetric efficiency and substantially uniformdissolution of at least an exterior portion thereof. The composition ofa capsule can be varied with respect to radius, to provide any one ormore of various functions. For example, an outer or near-outer layer maycomprise an effervescent layer with micro-abrasives to assist incleaning the teeth and gums. Various effervescent materials and relatedadditives suitable for oral use and/or ingestion, and methods for makingsame, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,878, U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,792,and U.S. Pat. No. 3,962,417, which are hereby incorporated by reference.A plaque colorant layer may be provided to render plaque formed on teethimmediately visible to the naked eye of the user. A pH lowering layermay be provided to lower the pH environment in the user's mouth, as hasbeen recently determined to promote absorption of fluoride into theuser's teeth due to the lowered pH environment. (See, e.g., T. Kalili,et al., “Fluoride Absorption by Enamel from Toothpaste in Lowered pHEnvironment,” J. Dent. Res. 83 (Spec Iss A) Abstract #4033 (2004).) SuchpH lowering layer may be time-released to maintain pH at a target valuefor a desired period of time. One or more neutralizing and/or decolorantagents may be provided to neutralize pH and/or attenuate or remote theplaque colorant material, such as to avoid lasting effect of the plaquecolorant. An oral care tablet with a plaque color indicator anddecolorizing agent is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2006/0115435, which is hereby incorporated by reference. One or moreflavoring layers may be provided. A dentrifice layer (e.g., in solid,gel, or paste form), including abrasive materials such as silica may befurther provided within the capsule. Further possible layers include awhitening layer (e.g., containing a peroxide), an anticalculus(anti-tartar) layer, a whitening layer (e.g. including a peroxidematerial), an antibacterial layer (e.g., including triclosan), and abreath freshening layer. Any two or more of the foregoing layers mayoverlap or be combined as desirable for simultaneous effect, or may beseparated (e.g., by an intermediate gel layer) as desirable ornecessary, and any combination of the foregoing layers may be providedin a single capsule. In terms of external appearance, capsules may beprovided in various colors or patters, and may further be printed withwords or pictures such as corresponding to media characters.

A toothbrush 10 adapted to receive and retain an oral care capsule isillustrated in FIGS. 1-2. The toothbrush 10 includes a handle 14disposed along a first end 11 optionally including a dial or switch 33,an intermediate shaft 15, and a brush head 20 disposed along a secondend 12 optionally having an activation element 31. The brush head 20includes a capsule receiving zone 25, such as may include a recessdefined in the brush head 20, disposed within a plurality of angledbristles 26A. The angled bristles 26A are preferably canted away fromvertical in a direction toward the center of the capsule receiving zone25, so as to retain an oral care capsule (not shown) insertable into thecapsule receiving zone 25. The size and shape of the capsule receivingzone 25, and the size, spacing, and angle of the angled bristles 26A,are selected to retain an oral care capsule of a predetermined size andshape. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, ten angled bristles 26A areequally spaced around the perimeter of a circular recess (spanning 360degrees) defining the capsule receiving zone 25. Conventional straightbristles 26 may be further provided apart from the capsule receivingzone 25.

In the present embodiment, an oral care capsule is loaded into thetoothbrush 10 by spreading the angled bristles 26A apart, and theninserting the capsule past the spread bristles into the oral carecapsule receiving zone 25. In another embodiment to be described in moredetail hereinafter, a toothbrush may include a moveable retainingelement bounding a capsule receiving zone (e.g., from behind) andpermitting an oral care capsule to be loaded without spreading apartbristles of the toothbrush.

One or more signalling elements 16 adapted to provide a user-perceptiblesignal may be disposed in or along the toothbrush handle 14. Such signalmay be any of visible, auditory, and vibratory in nature. The one ormore signaling elements 16 may provide a signal indicative of any oforal care cleansing cycle time and attainment of a threshold oral carecleansing cycle time, to ensure that the user engages in an oralcleansing operation of an optimally effective duration (e.g., twominutes or more). A threshold oral care cleansing time may be set oradjusted by the user with an input element, such as the dial or switch33 or a separate interface element adapted to communicate with thetoothbrush 10 for programming.

The handle 14 preferably includes a battery 30 or other charge storageelement. The brush head 20 may include various signalling elements 36,37, such as LEDs, sound generators, and/or vibration generators. One ormore sensors 38 may be further provided to sense one or more conditionsindicative of usage of said toothbrush 10 in an oral care cleansingcycle. For example, the one or more sensors 38 may sense any of motion,acceleration, vibration, and pressure. Signals generated by the one ormore sensors 38 may be used, for example, in conjunction with a timer todetermine time elapsed in an oral care cleaning cycle, or whether aminimum threshold oral care cleansing cycle has been satisfied.Alternatively, the activation element 31 may be depressed or otherwiseactivated at the beginning of an oral care cleansing cycle, and used toinitiate a time for determining time elapsed in an oral care cleansingcycle or whether a minimum threshold time has been satisfied.

Circuitry 32 adapted to perform any of various desirable functionsdisclosed herein may be disposed in the handle 14. For example, thecircuitry 32 may control signalling elements 16, 36, 37 provide timerfunctionality, store or allow adjustment of a threshold oral carecleansing cycle time, and the like. One or more conductors 35 may bedisposed between the handle 14 and the brush head 20 to permitelectrical communication between the battery 30 and/or circuitry 32disposed in the handle 14, and the various electrically operableelements (e.g., signalling elements 36, 37, sensor 38, activationelement 31) disposed in the brush head 20. In a preferred embodiment,the brush head 20 comprises a substantially optically transmissivematerial, such as to enable external transmission of light from one ormore light emitting diodes or the like.

The capsule receiving zone 25 may include a recess formable by variousmeans. In one embodiment, such a recess is defined by forming anaperture 27 through an intermediate portion of the brush head 14, andthen closing the recess from behind with a cover (not shown).Alternatively, such a recess may be formed by conventional molding orother shaping techniques.

While a manually operated toothbrush 10 is shown, an electricallyoperated toothbrush with the same features as described herein isspecifically contemplated as encompassed by the present invention.

As indicated previously, a toothbrush may include a moveable retainingelement bounding a capsule receiving zone and permitting an oral carecapsule to be loaded without spreading apart bristles of the toothbrush.For example, a rear portion of a brush head may include a hinged orslidable portion (e.g., a cover) that may be moved to an open positionto expose an oral care capsule loading aperture. Such cover may be movedthrough operation of a corresponding toothbrush manipulation elementassociated with an oral care capsule dispensing device. Upon movement ofsuch moveable retaining element to an open position, the oral carecapsule is loaded into the oral care capsule loading aperture thatconstitutes an oral care capsule receiving zone. Thereafter, themoveable retaining element is returned to a closed position, and theoral care capsule is retained from behind by the retaining element, andpreferably also from above by a plurality of angled bristles. In thisregard, the moveable cover functions to selectively cover or obstructthe oral care capsule loading aperture.

In another embodiment, a brush head of a toothbrush includes a flexuralportion adapted to permit at least some bristles of a plurality ofangled bristles to be spread apart so as to enable an oral care capsuleto be loaded in a capsule receiving zone of such brush head. Anassociated dispensing device may include a corresponding structureadapted to automatically effectuate such flexure of the brush head topermit loading of at least one capsule into a capsule receiving zonedefined therein. Following a loading operation, flexing force isreleased from the brush head to cause the brush head to return to arelaxed position with an oral care capsule retained in the capsulereceiving zone by the angled bristles.

A dispenser 100 for oral care capsules, adapted for use with thetoothbrush 10, is illustrated in FIG. 3, with various portions thereofillustrated in the ensuing FIGS. 4-10.

The dispensing device 100 includes a bottom surface 101, a base portion105, a container 108, and an outer lid 104. The container 108 may beformed of a translucent or substantially optically transmissive materialto permit viewing of the contents therein. The container 108 may includea ramp (not shown), such as may be configured in a helical or spiralshape, to guide oral care capsules to a desired location (such as towarda distribution plate 141, as illustrated in FIGS. 8-9). The outer lid104, which may be pivotally coupled to the container portion 108,optionally includes a figurine 102 and one or more light elements 103,such as may be provided in view of a user for entertainment utility. Atoothbrush insertion aperture 110, sized and shaped to receive at leasta portion of a toothbrush, is defined in the base portion 105.

Referring to FIG. 4, a toothbrush 10 may be oriented as shown forinsertion into the toothbrush receiving aperture 110 of the dispensingdevice 100. The bottom surface 101 may be equipped with a non-skidmaterial or a suction cup to prevent displacement of the dispensingdevice 100 upon insertion of a portion of a toothbrush 10 therein.

Disposed above the base portion 105 of the dispensing device 100 is acontainer 108 adapted to retain a plurality of oral care capsules (notshown) therein. A rotatable vertical shaft 132 may be provided along avertical axis of the container 108 to mechanically couple the container108, via inner lid 135 thereof, to a motor 124 (illustrated in FIG. 5).By way of such coupling, the outer lid 104 and figurine 102, along withdistribution plate 141 (shown in FIGS. 8-9) may be caused to rotatethrough operation of the motor. If desired, the container 108 or aportion thereof may be coupled to rotate by operation of the motor 124for user entertainment and/or dispensing utility. An orifice plate 131,defining an orifice 134 adapted to permit the passage of an oral carecapsule in the base portion 105, is disposed below the container 108.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate selected internal components of the base portion105 as positioned relative to a brush head 20 positioned for insertiontherein. The toothbrush insertion aperture 110 leads to a guide tube 112that guides the brush head 20 into position for loading of an oral carecapsule therein. Disposed within the guide tube 112 is a toothbrushmanipulation element in the form of a bristle spreader 119 defining anaperture 120 and having a wedge-shaped leading edge 119A. Such leadingedge 119A may be configured as a wedge or block adapted to provide thedesired spreading functionality. A close-up perspective view of thebristle spreader 119 is shown in FIG. 7. As the brush head 20 isinserted past the bristle spreader 119, the wedge-shaped leading edge119A of the bristle spreader 119 spreads apart the angled bristles 26Ato prepare the brush head 20 to receive an oral care capsule. Althoughthe illustrated embodiment is directed to a specific mechanical oralcare capsule loading mechanism, various other mechanically orelectrically actuated means may be used, as will be recognized by thoseskilled in the art, to provide automatic dispensing operation. In theillustrated embodiment, the brush head 20 is inserted into the guidetube 112 to contact a push bar 114 joined via arm 115, a lever 117having an associated pivot 116, and return spring 126. Upon depressingthe push bar 114, the lever 117 is forced toward the guide tube 112 andthe aperture-defining bristle spreader 119 disposed therein. In thismanner, an oral care capsule 200 disposed between the lever 117 (e.g.,opposite tab 118) may be pushed through the aperture 120 of the bristlespreader 119, past the spread-apart angled bristles 26A, and into theoral care capsule receiving zone 25 of the brush head 20 of thetoothbrush 10. Upon removal of the brush head 20 from the bristlespreader 119, the angled bristles 26A return to their relaxed positionto contract around an oral care capsule disposed within the capsulereceiving zone 25.

Although FIG. 6 illustrates loading of an oral care capsule 200laterally in a toothbrush head 20, a dispensing device may be configuredfor capsule loading in any desired direction. In one embodiment, adispensing device is adapted to load an oral care capsule in an upwarddirection into a capsule receiving zone of a corresponding toothbrushhead. In yet another embodiment, a dispensing device is adapted to loadan oral care capsule in a downward direction into a capsule receivingzone of a corresponding toothbrush head.

FIGS. 5-6 further illustrate a battery holder 121 including twobatteries 122 and a motor 124 coupled to receive power from thebatteries 122 via cable 123. Such motor 124 may be used to set in motionany desired portion of the dispensing device 100, such as the container108, figurine 102, and/or distribution plate 141 (illustrated in FIGS.8-9). As an alternative to batteries 122, the dispensing device may beoperated via alternating current input with an appropriate internalAC/DC converter (not shown).

The dispensing device 100 may further include a sterilization element,such as an ultraviolet light or other element (not shown), disposed in,along, or proximate to the guide tube 112. Such sterilization elementmay be activated upon insertion of a brush head 20 into the guide tube112 to effect sterilization of the brush head 20 and therefore avoidpathogen growth (e.g., along any of the brush head 20, the guide tube112, the spreading element 119, and the push bar 114) and potential fortransfer of pathogens from one surface (or toothbrush) to the next. Suchsterilization element may be operated by the batteries 122 or anotherpower source. Moreover, any surfaces subject to contacting a toothbrushinsertable into the dispensing device 100, and even the toothbrush 10,may be coated or otherwise formed with an antibacterial substance suchas 5-chloro-2phenol (2,4dichlorophenoxy) commonly sold under the tradename Microban®.

Referring to FIGS. 8-9, the dispensing device 100 preferably includes arotatable distribution plate 141 including a plurality of apertures144A-144H each sized to receive an oral care capsule, with thedistribution plate 141 disposed above the orifice plate 131. Theapertures 144A-144H of the distribution plate 141 are positioned topermit oral care capsules disposed therein to drop into the orifice 134,preferably one at a time, upon rotation of the distribution plate 141.The orifice 134 of the orifice plate 131 is disposed immediately abovethe oral care capsule 200 shown in FIG. 6, such that an oral carecapsule 200 that falls through the orifice 134 is ready for loadingthrough the aperture 120 of the bristle spreading element 119 into abrush head 20 inserted into the guide tube 112. The distribution plate141 further includes a central aperture 145 that is keyed or otherwiseshaped to receive a lower torque transfer element 133 associated withthe shaft 132, to rotate the distribution plate 141 without slippage.Likewise, the outer lid 104 may include an aperture 136 that is keyed orotherwise shaped to receive an upper torque transfer element 134associated with the shaft 132, to permit the outer lid 104 and optionalfigurine 102 to rotate as well. Electrical contacts may be furtherprovided through the shaft 132, torque transfer elements 133, 134, andaperture 136 to supply electrical power to the signalling element 116(e.g., LED) associated with the figurine 102.

The distribution plate 141 is preferably closely spaced relative to theorifice plate 131, and one or more seals (not shown) may be providedtherebetween. Any of the distribution plate 141 and orifice plate 131may be formed or coated with a friction-reducing material, such aspolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to minimize wear or possible bindingtherebetween. Between dispensing cycles, the distribution plate 141preferably rests in a position wherein none of the apertures 144A-144Hare aligned with the orifice 131 of the orifice plate 134. This promotessealing of the container 108, so as to minimize infiltration of moistureinto the container 108 that might otherwise degrade water-dissolvablecapsule shell or coating materials.

As toothbrushes are conventionally utilized in bathroom environmentsthat may be quite moist, and oral care capsules may havewater-dissolvable outer shell or coating materials, it is desirable tominimize presence of moisture in a container 108 having a plurality oforal care capsules disposed therein. Referring to FIG. 10, in oneembodiment a desiccant material 160 may be disposed to receive moisturefrom the container 108. Such desiccant material 160 may be provided at acentral portion of the container 108 or in any other desired location.Such desiccant material 160 may include a moisture absorbing board,silica gel, clay, or a molecular sieve, whether disposed loosely orpacked, in a (e.g., mesh) pouch or other permeable retainer, disposed inmoisture receiving relationship relative to the interior of thecontainer 108. A cover 170 defining an aperture 172 may be provided overthe desiccant 160 and the container 108. Such cover 170 may bepermanently sealed to the container 108, or may be removable to permitreplacement of the desiccant material 160.

The container 108 preferably comprises a cartridge that may be removedfrom the dispensing apparatus and replaced by the user. Such containermay alternatively be refilled by the user through a capsule insertionport (not shown).

In another embodiment, a dispensing device includes a plurality oftoothbrush insertion apertures each adapted to receive a portion of adifferent toothbrush, so as to enable multiple users each havingdifferent toothbrushes to use the same dispenser without requiringcontact between multiple brushes and single capsule interface surface ofthe dispenser. Such dispenser may resemble the dispensing device 100described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 3-4, but modified toinclude multiple toothbrush insertion apertures and guide tubes eachintended to receive a different toothbrush. Referring to FIG. 11, a baseportion 205 of a dispensing device has a bottom surface 201 and includesthree guide tubes 212A-212C. Each guide tube 212A-212C has an associatedtoothbrush insertion aperture (e.g., toothbrush insertion aperture 210Afor guide tube 212A is shown; it is to be understood that correspondingtoothbrush insertion apertures are provided for guide tubes 212B, 212C)adapted to receive a portion of a different toothbrush. Each guide tube212A-212C has an associated bristle spreading element 219A-219C adaptedto spread apart bristles of a toothbrush as described hereinabove, topermit an oral care capsule to be supplied to the toothbrush through anaperture 220A-220C associated with the respective guide tube 212A-212C.

Each toothbrush insertion aperture (e.g., 210A) and/or guide tube212A-212C preferably has an associated marking element (e.g., markingelement 211A) providing visible differentiation between the differenttoothbrush insertion apertures of the device. Such marking elements(e.g., marking element 211A) may differ in terms of color, size, shape,texture, or any combination of the foregoing parameters. Each markingelement (e.g., 211A) may be provided in any suitable location proximateto an associated toothbrush aperture (e.g., 210A), such as along outersurface of the base 205, within a guide tube 212A-212C, or both.

The base 205 shown in FIG. 11 is preferably stationary in character,with the bottom surface 201 disposed on or just above an underlyingsurface such as a countertop. Various methods may be employed to supplyoral care capsules to each aperture 220A-220C. In one embodiment,separate ramps (not shown) may be provided to guide oral care capsulesfrom a container (e.g., container 108 shown in FIG. 4) to each aperture220A-220C, with an optional interposing distribution plate (e.g.,distribution plate 141 shown in FIGS. 8-9, optionally modified toinclude multiple apertures) for regulating passage of oral carecapsules. In another embodiment, a single ramp or guide may be employedand selectively moved (e.g., in conjunction with movement of a container108) into position to supply an oral care capsule to an aperture 220A,220B, 220C. Such movement may include manual operation by a user, orautomated movement with an electric motor (not shown).

In operation of a dispenser including the base portion 205, a first userinserts a portion of a toothbrush (e.g., toothbrush 10 as describedhereinabove) into a toothbrush insertion aperture (e.g. insertionaperture 210A) to contact a bristle spreader (e.g., bristle spreader219A) disposed therein. Each toothbrush insertion aperture shown in FIG.11 is arranged to receive a toothbrush 10 (as described hereinabove)with bristles facing upward. The bristle spreader (e.g., 219A) has awedge-shaped leading edge adapted to spread apart angled bristles of thetoothbrush 10 to prepare the brush head 20 to receive an oral carecapsule. An oral care capsule (not shown) is directed through an oralcare capsule loading aperture (e.g., aperture 220A) past spread-apartangled bristles 26A, and into an oral care capsule receiving zone 25 ofthe brush head 20 of the tooth brush 10. Any various loading mechanism(e.g., mechanically and/or electrically actuated) within the knowledgeof one skilled in the art may be used to load a toothbrush with an oralcare capsule as described herein. Upon removal of the brush head 20 fromthe bristle spreader 219A, the angled bristles 26A return to theirrelaxed position to contract around an oral care capsule disposed withinthe capsule receiving zone 25. The toothbrush 10 is then removed fromthe toothbrush insertion aperture 210A, and utilized by the user fororal cleaning.

Second and third users with a different toothbrushes may repeat theforegoing procedure, but each utilizing dedicated toothbrush insertionapertures and guide tubes 210A, 210B, 210C, to prevent contact betweendifferent brushes and any single interface surface of the dispenser.

While the invention has been has been described herein in reference tospecific aspects, features, and illustrative embodiments of theinvention, it will be appreciated that the utility of the invention isnot thus limited, but rather extends to and encompasses numerous othervariations, modifications, and alternative embodiments, as will suggestthemselves to those of ordinary skill in the field of the presentinvention, based on the disclosure herein. Correspondingly, theinvention as hereinafter claimed is intended to be broadly construed andinterpreted, as including all such variations, modifications andalternative embodiments, within its spirit and scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispensing device configured for use with atleast one toothbrush including a brush head having a capsule receivingzone configured to receive an oral care capsule, the dispensing devicecomprising: a container including an interior arranged to contain aplurality of oral care capsules including the oral care capsule; abristle spreading element including an aperture arranged to permitpassage of the oral care capsule, the bristle spreading element arrangedto spread apart at least some bristles of the brush head to prepare thebrush head to receive the oral care capsule in the capsule receivingzone; and a moveable dispensation element arranged to contact and pushthe oral care capsule through the aperture to be received by the capsulereceiving zone of the brush head.
 2. The dispensing device of claim 1,wherein the container comprises a ramp arranged to guide oral carecapsules of the plurality of oral care capsules toward the moveabledispensation element.
 3. The dispensing device of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one moveable sealing element arranged to reduceinfiltration of moisture into the container between cycles of dispensingoral care capsules of the plurality of oral care capsules from thedispensing device.
 4. The dispensing device of claim 1, furthercomprising a selectively closable dispensing orifice configured topermit dispensation of at least one oral care capsule of the pluralityof oral care capsules from the container.
 5. The dispensing device ofclaim 1, further comprising a desiccant material arranged in moisturereceiving relationship with the interior of the container.
 6. Thedispensing device of claim 1, further comprising a guide tube arrangedto receive the brush head, wherein the bristle spreading element boundsa portion of the guide tube.
 7. The dispensing device of claim 1,wherein the moveable dispensation element comprises at least one of apush bar, an arm, a lever, or a spring.
 8. A dispensing deviceconfigured for use with at least one toothbrush including a brush headhaving a capsule receiving zone sized to receive an oral care capsule,the dispensing device comprising: a bristle spreading element configuredto contact the brush head and spread apart at least some bristles of thebrush head to promote passage of the oral care capsule into a retentionstructure associated with the brush head to enable receipt of said oralcare capsule into the capsule receiving zone; and at least onedispensation element configured to deliver said oral care capsulethrough the bristle spreading element into the capsule receiving zone.9. The dispensing device of claim 8, wherein the bristle spreadingelement comprises a reduced thickness portion configured to spread apartthe at least some bristles of the brush head.
 10. The dispensing deviceof claim 8, further comprising a container containing a plurality oforal care capsules.
 11. The dispensing device of claim 8, furthercomprising a guide tube configured to receive and guide the brush headinto position for loading the oral care capsule therein.
 12. Thedispensing device of claim 8, further comprising: a container having aninterior configured to contain a plurality of oral care capsules, and atleast one selectively closable dispensing orifice configured to permitdispensation of at least one oral care capsule of the plurality of oralcare capsules from the container.
 13. The dispensing device of claim 12,further comprising a desiccant material disposed to receive moisturefrom the interior.
 14. The dispensing device of claim 12, wherein saidcontainer comprises at least one ramp configured to guide said pluralityof oral care capsules toward said at least one selectively closabledispensing orifice for dispensation of the at least one oral carecapsule of the plurality of oral care capsules through the at least oneselectively closable dispensing orifice.
 15. The dispensing device ofclaim 12, configured to effectuate automatic dispensation of at leastone oral care capsule of the plurality of oral care capsules from thecontainer through the at least one selectively closable dispensingorifice.
 16. An oral care capsule dispensing device, comprising: acontainer having an interior configured to contain a plurality of oralcare capsules; a bristle spreading element configured to contact a brushhead and spread apart at least some bristles of the brush head topromote passage of at least one oral care capsule of the plurality oforal care capsules through the bristle spreading element into aretention structure of the brush head; and at least one selectivelyclosable dispensing orifice configured to permit dispensation of the atleast one oral care capsule from the container.
 17. The oral carecapsule dispensing device of claim 16, being configured for use with atleast one toothbrush including a brush head having a capsule receivingzone sized to receive an oral care capsule of the plurality of oral carecapsules, the dispensing device further comprising at least onedispensation element configured to deliver said oral care capsule intothe capsule receiving zone.
 18. The oral care capsule dispensing deviceof claim 16, further comprising a desiccant material disposed to receivemoisture from the interior.
 19. The oral care capsule dispensing deviceof claim 16, wherein said container comprises at least one rampconfigured to guide said plurality of oral care capsules toward said atleast one selectively closable dispensing orifice for dispensation ofthe at least one oral care capsule through the at least one selectivelyclosable dispensing orifice.
 20. The oral care capsule dispensing deviceof claim 16, configured to effectuate automatic dispensation of the atleast one oral care capsule from the container through the at least oneselectively closable dispensing orifice.